Forensic audit will make our organisation stronger, says NDDC

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says the forensic audit of the agency will make it stronger.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a forensic audit of the operations of the commission from 2001 to 2019.

In a statement on Thursday, Charles Obi Odili, NDDC’s director of corporate affairs, said the management is committed to a transparent process that will revamp its operations.

Odili, however, stated that there was no disagreement between the former managing director of the NDDC and Godswill Akpabio, minister for Niger Delta affairs, over the forensic audit.

“These false allegations and made-up reasons pose a great threat to the acceptability and success of the forensic audit of the NDDC, directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, in response to popular demand by Governors of the Niger Delta States and other stakeholders,” he said.

“It is on record that President Buhari directed that the NDDC forensic audit, which has been widely applauded as a crucial move and the only process that can cleanse NDDC, be overseen by the Interim Management Committee, IMC. It is also a fact that President Buhari directed that the NDDC will continue to be supervised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Given these two directives by President Buhari, it needs no stretch of the imagination to say that the IMC has a duty to work in concert with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to ensure the success of the NDDC forensic audit.

“Thus, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, called a tripartite meeting of the ministry, the NDDC and the Lead Consultant of the forensic audit.

“The great people of the Niger Delta – and all other well-intentioned stakeholders – should please disregard dishonest gossip and rest assured that the forensic audit is on course, to pave the way for the birth of a stronger and more responsive NDDC.”